Five Scott County Residents Plead Guilty to
Drug Distribution Conspiracy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 19, 2011

ABINGDON, VIRGINIA -- United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy announced today that five defendants charged with a variety of crimes related to a drug distribution conspiracy have pled guilty in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia in Abingdon.

The charges resulted from a cooperative investigation by the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the United States Marshals Service.

“These defendants were responsible for a long-running, profitable drug distribution business in Southwest Virginia.” United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy said today. “Their guilty pleas demonstrate the priority we place on identifying and prosecuting those who sell illegal drugs anywhere within the Western District of Virginia. The abuse of prescription drugs has become a public health crisis in far Southwest Virginia, one which must be met with both enforcement and treatment solutions. Our office will continue to not only prosecute the most egregious dealers of prescription drugs, but also support resources for those fighting addiction.”

Today in Federal Court, Perry Roger Carter, 54, of Gate City, Va, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, methadone, oxycodone, Xanax and Lortabs, one count of possession of a sawed-off shotgun and one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Carter faces a potential maximum sentence of 60 years imprisonment and a potential fine of $2,500,000. Additionally, Carter faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Dana Sue Campbell, 51, of Gate City, Va., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, methadone, and oxycontin. Campbell faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and a potential fine of $2,000,000. Additionally, Campbell faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Randall Darnell, Sr., 44, Gate City, Va., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, OxyContin, and morphine. Darnell, Sr., faces a potential maximum sentence of 40 years imprisonment and a potential fine of $2,000,000. Additionally, Darnell, Sr., faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment.

Ron Smith, 35, of Hiltons, Va., and Kristi LaDuke, 37, Gate City, Va., pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute Oxycontin. Smith and LaDuke each face a potential maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment and a fine of $1,000,000.

According to evidence presented at the guilty plea hearings this morning by Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Lee, the individuals who pleaded guilty were all involved in the distribution of controlled substances in Scott County, Virginia, from approximately 2005-2011.

Perry Roger Carter and his sister, Dana Campbell, were suppliers of the conspiracy, operating from their homes on Manville Road. The two provided large quantities of cocaine, methadone, Oxycontin and other controlled substances to other members of the conspiracy for further distribution in Scott County, Virginia and elsewhere.

A search warrant executed by law enforcement at Carter’s residence in April 2011 led to the seizure of records consistent with drug distribution, a sawed-off shotgun, and a .380 cal. pistol with an obliterated serial number.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Scott County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee of the United States Attorney’s Office in Abingdon is prosecuting the case.